Theorad's Desire for Revenge (2)
I'd bought a great monster hunting weapon from the shopkeeper—complete with bonus jerky as a perk—and returned to the carriage, slumping into my seat.
"Let's head out!"
With a jolt, the carriage lurched forward at the driver's shout, leaving the alley and merging onto the main road.
As I gazed out the window at the passing townsfolk, a yawn stretched out right beside me. Glancing over, I saw Baynen Brokena rubbing his sleepy eyes, freshly awakened and staring at me.
"Hmmm... We still haven't arrived? This is taking longer than I thought."
It was absurd. "We've already arrived and made our purchase. We're on the way back now, Baynen."
"Huh? What? Why didn't you wake me?"
"Didn't seem like I needed your protection just to buy one item from a shop."
"Come on. Do assassins pick and choose their moments to strike at you, young master?"
"You're exaggerating. You think there are assassins lining up to target me everywhere?"
I shot back curtly, but Baynen nodded seriously.
"Fair point. The head of the Deharm Viscount family isn't exactly a high-profile sacrifice for political intrigue. Even if they thought you were worth using as bait, they wouldn't touch you easily. The Deharm family is like a beehive, after all."
"A beehive?"
"Yes. As you know, the Deharm Viscount family commands deep respect. The townsfolk adore you, and the Count himself shows unwavering trust. No one wants to make enemies of the entire Pelgaroin County just to go after you."
In short, it was foolish to anger the bees for a taste of honey. Still, being compared to a beehive left me unsure whether to feel flattered or insulted.
As I hesitated, Baynen chuckled and leaned back against the seat.
"That's why I love being a knight in service to the Deharm Viscount family."
"Because of our esteemed reputation?"
"Nah. It's the easy life—no danger, steady pay, and I can just laze around."
My mistake for asking. I recited the character for "patience" in my mind before speaking up.
"I hope you realize that the salary I pay you includes an allowance for maintaining your dignity."
"Not really... Have I ever tarnished the Deharm name?"
"Even after looking at your attire? Armor maintenance and repair are basic knightly duties."
Baynen shook his head leisurely. "You're mistaken there, young master. Only noble knights from fancy orders fuss over their outfits like that. Real veterans like me—who value tradition—wear our armor's scars like badges of honor. They prove how many battles we've survived."
I'd heard this spiel so many times it was tiresome. No surprise from the weirdo who'd stubbornly refuse even if I offered to buy him a new suit. Sighing in defeat, I looked away, and Baynen turned toward me.
"By the way, young master. You having some fun with that elf slave of yours?"
The words "elf slave" made my facial muscles twitch against my will. Fun? If anyone was having it, it was the elf, not me.
"Curious about everything, aren't you."
"Of course! Big tits, sensual hips, silk-smooth hair, a face that could topple kingdoms. And you—who's always shunned women—fell head over heels and brought her home. Says it all."
"She is pretty, sure..."
"So, you done it yet?"
"Done what?"
"This." He glanced sideways, pressing his palms together and pulling them apart repeatedly. Each time, the sound of skin meeting air came off oddly lewd.
The madman. He was doing it, but I felt embarrassed for some reason.
"Disgraceful... Stop that!"
"No way—you haven't even done it yet?"
"I said stop!"
I yelled again, and Baynen shrugged with an awkward grin.
"I'm just worried about you, young master. You'll have to consummate with Lady Esilly someday. Why not practice on the slave first?"
"W-why would I need practice for that?"
"You don't know? Guys turn into rabbits on their first time. The woman's just starting to get into foreplay, and boom—you're done. Think she'll like that?"
"What... 'rabbit'?"
"Slang for a guy who finishes too quick, before she even enjoys it. For the record, my first was a rabbit too. Exactly 3 minutes and 48 seconds. With Tanila, the whore from the Red Rose Tavern."
"Wait. How do you even remember the time?"
"Counted in my head while thrusting. It was a milestone."
Is he actually insane?
"...Enough of that nonsense. And Baynen."
"Yes, young master."
"Can't you drop the 'young master' bit? I'm the head of the Deharm Viscount family, you know. Please, show some respect in your address."
Baynen blinked in surprise, then stroked his scruffy beard.
"But I've called you young master for ages. I can still picture you begging me to teach you swordsmanship, eyes sparkling..."
"I'm not asking you to forget the past."
"Hmmm. Doesn't 'young master' bring back fond memories? Besides, you're so buried in family duties these days—working nonstop. It's frustrating to watch. The previous head wanted your happiness, not just the family's prosperity."
The conversation was veering off. Baynen was deliberately steering it away. Did he hate calling me "family head" that much? Whether he still saw me as a kid or refused to acknowledge me as head, neither sat well.
"Tch. Do what you want."
I clicked my tongue irritably, and Baynen scratched his cheek sheepishly.
Silence fell for a while as he stared blankly out the window. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he snapped his fingers.
"Oh, right. It's been a while since you went out—want to grab a meal before heading back?"
"Unnecessary expense. We can eat at the mansion."
"Too bad. I wanted to show you this place I know. Their cooking's amazing."
Ignore him.
"The meat bursts with juices the moment you chew, veggies are fresh as can be, and the seafood—stuff you rarely see here—practically jumps off the plate. Especially the seasoned shrimp; that chewiness is indescribable."
Should ignore... but...
"And the macaroni with ground cheese? Prime ingredients in a master chef's hands, blending into pure bliss that dances in your mouth. Heavenly ecstasy."
Against my will, saliva flooded my mouth. After some internal groaning, I gave in.
"If you're begging that hard, fine—let's check it out. Might give our mansion chef some ideas."
"Heh heh. Got it."
Baynen's sly smile was annoying, but delicious food was non-negotiable.
*
After dining with Baynen, we returned to the mansion under a sunset sky.
"Thanks for handling the horses. Go rest. You too, Baynen."
After dismissing Baynen and the driver, I headed into the mansion but froze midway.
A woman was flying toward me on a broomstick, silhouetted against the sunset. The wide-brimmed hat adorned with trinkets screamed witch.
A witch? What's her business at my mansion?
Puzzled, I clasped my hands behind my back and waited. She landed gracefully on the path, picking up her broom. A "Apprentice Witch" badge gleamed on her chest.
"Hello! Perfect timing—you're here. You're Theorad, head of the Deharm Viscount family, right?"
"You know me?"
"Of course! You're the one getting this letter I'm delivering."
Ah. Someone had sent me mail via witch express. I nodded, and she beamed, handing over the envelope.
"Here you go."
"Thank you. Must've been a hassle—appreciate it."
As I took it with thanks, my breath caught. The seal depicted a sharp-eyed swan with wings spread wide.
The Pelgaroin Count family...
That swan emblem symbolized the Pelgaroins. A letter from them? The reason was obvious.
They're probably scolding me for my disgraceful behavior with Esilly.
If Esilly had told the Count everything after returning to the castle, it fit perfectly. Disappointed, he'd sent this to reprimand me.
Biting back tears inwardly, I broke the seal and read.
Dearest Theorad,
I hope this finds you well. Forgive me for not visiting the mansion lately—I've been swamped. I'm writing because my sister Esilly has been acting strangely since meeting you. I wondered what happened.
Usually, after seeing you, she'd come back beaming, chattering away—mostly about your virtues, embarrassingly enough. But not this time. She seemed lost in thought, brooding. When I asked, she just brushed it off vaguely.
Did something go wrong between you two? If I can help mend things, just say the word—no need to hold back.
With affection,
Fred.
Not from the Count after all. Relief washed over me as I finished. Thankfully, Esilly had kept my blunder quiet. A true kindness.
"All read?"
The witch asked brightly. I nodded, and she mounted her broom midair.
"Any reply? I'll swing by the castle before clocking out."
"Ah, I could write one in my study and..."
"Nope. Sunset's here. Witches handle errands till moonrise—that's the pact from Walpurgis Night, binding humans and witches alike. Even the Emperor can't break it."
Tricky witch. No choice, then. After a pause, I said,
"Tell them it was a minor misunderstanding. I'll head to the castle soon and explain everything to Esilly myself."
"Got it!"
She grinned and kicked off. Whoosh! The broom soared skyward, carrying her away. As she faded into the dusk, she looked swallowed by the sunset.
I stared blankly after her, then snapped to and walked on.
I can't keep taking hits like this.
The elf-induced fiasco was still a small misunderstanding—for now. But it could grow into a scandal that tarnishes the family name.
I have to stop it first.
Unless I uprooted the root cause—that elf—I'd stay in peril.
So tonight. I would hunt the elf...
No, the demon.